This Sunday, Kyle Larson attempts the formidable challenge known as The Double, taking on both the legendary Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 in a single day. With the spotlight on Kyle Larson attempts Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 Double, the motorsport world waits to see whether Larson can successfully complete 1,100 miles—cementing his place among the elite drivers to undertake this test of endurance.
Larson’s Ambition and the Complexity of The Double
For over a century, top racers have converged at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the iconic Indy 500. Now, 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson, racing for Hendrick Motorsports, prepares for his second outing at the event while striving to join an exclusive club: those completing the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s longest race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on the same day. This formidable doubleheader, often derailed by weather and logistics, has been attempted by only a select few.
Larson’s prior attempt fell victim to storms, forcing a difficult decision between finishing at Indianapolis or fulfilling his Cup Series commitments in Charlotte. He finished 18th after starting fifth at Indy, then hastily traveled to Charlotte, only for weather to halt the 600 before he could turn a single lap. Despite this setback, he remains undeterred for the 2024 attempt, starting 19th at the Brickyard and aiming to complete what many consider the greatest motorsports endurance feat in the United States.
Kyle Larson’s current endeavor continues a long-standing tradition, starting when lights at Charlotte made the Double possible, with NASCAR veterans like Cale Yarborough, Bobby Johns, Lee Roy Yarbrough, and brothers Bobby and Donnie Allison previously making cross-disciplinary runs at the Indy 500. The Wood Brothers, famed for their pit crew excellence, also left a mark at Indianapolis.
Larson, describing his usual travel-heavy schedule, remarked:
“I travel around so much and race and fly in last minute for sprint car races and jump straight in and I think that will help the mindset of what it will be like for the 600,”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
“I think for sure, for me it’s not like a culture shock at all to be here and then traveling around to race. It’s what I do every week. Time windows are tight so often, so it doesn’t seem any different than a normal weekend for me.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Historical Pursuit: Notable Attempts at the Indy-Charlotte Double
The pursuit of the Indy-Charlotte Double is filled with near-mythic stories, obstacles, and perseverance. A look back at previous attempts underscores the complexity facing Larson and others who have tried to finish both races in less than 24 hours.
John Andretti Pioneers the Challenge in 1994
John Andretti, a nephew of racing legend Mario Andretti and an established open-wheel racer, became the first to attempt the Double in 1994. After qualifying 10th at Indianapolis and ninth for the Coca-Cola 600, he finished 10th at Indy before mechanical troubles ended his Charlotte run at 220 laps. Despite not completing both events, Andretti set the precedent for future drivers.
Davy Jones’ Derailed Bid in 1995
IndyCar veteran Davy Jones aimed to follow Andretti’s path, driving for Dick Simon in Indianapolis and planning to run with Jasper Motorsports in NASCAR. Unfortunately, he did not qualify for the Coca-Cola 600, relegating his day to a 23rd-place finish at Indy. This example highlights the inherent difficulties of not just racing, but qualifying for both marquee competitions.
“A forgotten figure in the history of the Indy-Charlotte Double: Davy JonesJones tried to do the Double in 1995, but he wasn’t fast enough to qualify for the #CocaCola600. He had to settle for racing in only the #Indy500 where he finished 23rd. pic.twitter.com/uNHna2IEVh”
—Steven Taranto, Motorsport Reporter
Robby Gordon’s Weather-Challenged Attempts
Robby Gordon, a familiar figure across both NASCAR and IndyCar circles, faced repeated weather issues in 1997 and 2000. The 1997 Indy 500 was postponed due to rain, redirecting him to Charlotte for the Coke 600, where he crashed after 186 laps. When the rescheduled Indy 500 ran on Monday, rain again interrupted, and a fiery mechanical failure ended his attempt. In 2000, Gordon qualified strongly at Indy but weather delays forced him to miss the start at Charlotte. Backup driver P.J. Jones logged starter’s points, but Gordon eventually took over mid-race, finishing 35th—never officially completing both events on the same day under traditional NASCAR scoring.
Tony Stewart’s Record-Setting Double Duty
After transitioning from open-wheel to NASCAR, Tony Stewart embarked on his first attempt in 1999. Qualifying 24th at Indy, Stewart finished ninth and then secured fourth place at Charlotte, showcasing impressive resilience. He returned for another attempt in 2001, taking seventh at Indy, finishing sixth there, and placing third at Charlotte. Stewart became the first—and still the only—driver to complete all 1,100 miles in a single day, a feat that underscores his endurance and adaptability.
Robby Gordon’s Multi-Year Efforts from 2002 to 2004
After joining Richard Childress Racing in NASCAR, Robby Gordon made three consecutive Double bids. His best overall run came in 2002, with an eighth-place finish at Indy and 16th at Charlotte. In 2003, mechanical failure at Indy and a 17th-place finish in NASCAR foiled another attempt, while rain in 2004 required a relief driver, Jacques Lazier, at Indianapolis. Gordon arrived in Charlotte to finish 20th, emphasizing the logistical hurdles inherent to such a challenge.
Kurt Busch’s 2014 Debut and Endurance Test
Kurt Busch, racing his first and only IndyCar event with Andretti Autosport, impressed with a sixth-place finish at Indy before jetting to Charlotte. Unfortunately, his race ended prematurely due to engine failure after 271 laps, resulting in a 40th-place classification. Busch remains the last driver to officially attempt and complete both events in the same day, testifying to the physical and mechanical demands placed on competitors.
Kyle Larson’s Renewed Quest in 2024
Kyle Larson’s 2023 debut saw him qualify strongly at Indianapolis and fulfill NASCAR duties at North Wilkesboro for the All-Star Race. However, severe rain again altered plans, leaving him to finish 18th at Indy and miss the start in Charlotte. Justin Allgaier, an Xfinity Series regular, started Larson’s Cup car and was credited with a 13th-place finish at the 600, as weather ultimately halted the race after 249 laps and precluded any opportunity for a driver change.
Despite the disappointment, Larson was granted a playoff waiver by NASCAR to remain eligible despite missing the Charlotte start. He later earned redemption by capturing the Brickyard 400, further reinforcing his credentials on major stages. This year, Larson once again aims to achieve what only Tony Stewart has previously managed—completing the full 1,100 miles of combined Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 racing in one day.
The Enduring Appeal and Impact of The Double
The history of The Double is intertwined with some of the biggest names in American motorsports, such as Mario Andretti, John Menard, and Felix Sabates, as well as legendary teams like Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Team Menard. Weather, mechanical troubles, and inflexible rules have all conspired to thwart even the best-prepared efforts. Completing both events in a single day demands more than just speed or skill—it requires adaptability, timing, and resilience in the face of shifting circumstances.
As Kyle Larson attempts Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 Double once more, the stakes are high and the uncertainties plentiful. Should he succeed, Larson would etch his name in the annals of auto racing history, joining a tradition that stretches from the days of Cale Yarborough and the pioneering Wood Brothers pit crew to modern crossover stars like Kurt Busch and Tony Stewart. The motorsport community waits to see whether Larson’s determination can conquer the formidable 1,100-mile test, inspiring future generations to take on one of racing’s greatest challenges.
